How To Start A Fire Without Matches (9 Proven And Reliable Ways)

Let’s face it. The only thing cooler than hanging out with your buddies by the campfire you built with your bare hands is telling them that you know how to start a fire without matches or a lighter.

Not to mention that knowing how to make fire without matches in the woods has always been and continues to be an essential survival skill that could very well save your life or the life of someone you love.

Here’s what you’ll learn by reading this article.

Key Takeaways

1. The Basics of Fire Starting: Fire requires three essential elements: heat, fuel, and oxygen. The heat can be generated through various methods, fuel can be any combustible material, and oxygen is available in the air.
2. Materials Needed: To start a fire without matches or a lighter, you need an ignition source, tinder, and other combustible materials. The ignition source can be anything from friction-based methods to using a battery and steel wool. Tinder can be dry, flammable grass, pine needles, moss, or plant fiber. Kindling and larger chunks of dry wood serve as fuel.
3. Friction-Based Fire Starting: The article explains several friction-based methods of starting a fire, including using a spindle and fireboard, a bow drill, and a fire plow. These methods all rely on creating heat through friction, igniting the tinder.
4. Alternative Fire Starting Methods: The article also explores other methods of starting a fire, such as using flint and steel, a battery and steel wool, lenses (like a magnifying glass), a soda can and chocolate bar, a fire piston, and a Ferro Rod. Each of these methods has its unique advantages and challenges.

Today, we have a variety of handy fire-starting tools like lighters, waterproof matches, stormproof matches, strike anywhere matches (it’s starting to sound like that guy from Forrest Gump describing all the types of shrimp he’d make if he owned his own restaurant)… I think you get the idea.

However, you may find yourself in an emergency situation where your survival depends on starting a fire in the wild… and you find yourself without matches or a lighter. When faced with such a situation, you are probably going to need a fire. Without a fire, your chances of survival can diminish, especially once the sun goes down and it starts getting cold, dark and wet, which is why you should always have a fire starter kit in your bag.

Not all survival skills are about surviving in the wilderness, you should also think about survival prep at home. See our Foods That Last a Long Time for more information.

Even though you’re probably reading this in the comfort and safety of your home, it’s good to be prepared (and that’s probably why the Boy Scouts’ motto is Be Prepared).

Tip: If you don’t know how to build a campfire, then check out our How To Build A Campfire post for step-by-step instructions. And if you’d really like to impress your friends with your superior survival skills, then check out our step-by-step how to make a homemade torch guide.

So, here’s what you need to know about starting a fire without matches.

The most basic rule of starting a fire is that fire requires heat, fuel, and oxygen to get going… and keep going.

The Science Behind Fire

Fire is a chemical reaction known as combustion. It occurs when a material (in this case, your tinder, kindling, or fuel) combines with oxygen in the air and is heated to its ignition temperature. This reaction releases heat, light, and various gases, creating the flames that we see.

The heat of the fire sustains the reaction by keeping the material at or above its ignition temperature, allowing it to continue combining with oxygen. This is why a fire will go out if it’s not kept hot enough or if its oxygen supply is cut off.

Understanding this process can help you be more effective at starting and maintaining a fire. For example, it underscores the importance of using dry materials (which reach their ignition temperature more easily) and ensuring your fire is well-ventilated (so it has a steady supply of oxygen).

Quick Tip: You’ll be less likely to need this article if you know How To Refill Butane Lighters

Gathering The Required Fire-starting Tools and Materials

The tools and materials you need for starting a fire without matches or a lighter can vary depending on the method you choose. However, there are some common elements you’ll need regardless of the method:

Tinder: This is the material that will catch your initial spark and start your fire. It needs to be dry and highly combustible. Good natural sources of tinder include dry grass, moss, pine needles, and bark shavings.

Kindling: Once your tinder is lit, you’ll add kindling to grow the fire. Kindling should be small, dry sticks or twigs. They should be larger than your tinder but smaller than your main fuel source.

Fuel: This is the larger wood that will keep your fire going once it’s established. Fuel should be dry and can be larger logs or branches.

Ignition Source: This is what you’ll use to create your initial spark or heat. The ignition source will vary depending on the method you’re using.

Tip: Fatwood is our favorite type of kindling. If you don’t know what Fatwood is, be sure to check out our what is Fatwood FAQ page.

Tips for gathering the required materials

• Areas protected from wetness offer the best chance of finding dry wood. When trying to gather dry wood, check the interior of logs and under ledges, especially if the location is damp.
• Not all types of wood to start a fire ignite the same. Some trees will catch fire more readily than others. For example, paper birch produces paper-like bark that can be an excellent tinder even when wet. The availability of some trees will often depend on the locality. So know your trees as best as you can.
• Fire-starting is often taught as a necessary survival tool for life in the wilderness but this skill can come in handy even in an urban setting. Unfortunately, trees might not be as available in an urban area, in which case you may have to adapt. Consider using things like old furniture and books to get a fire started.
• A trustworthy hatchet will make your life easier when it comes gathering your fire starting materials.

Bestseller No. 1

bayite 4 Inch Survival Ferrocerium Drilled Flint Fire Starter, Ferro Rod Kit with Paracord Landyard Handle and Striker, 4″(Long) x 3/8″(Diameter)

• 5ft Paracord included, gives you a good grip and never comes off. Comes with a bayite Striker-Pro striker attached to the paracord, always be prepared to start a fire
• bayite 6 Striking Edges Striker-Pro striker is made from TOOL GRADE HSS STEEL and has a distinct hardness, maximizes a shower of hot sparks, no matter whether you prefer to use your left hand or right hand to scrape. Don’t use bad quality Knife as striker. Otherwise it will not produce enough sparks due to insufficient hardness of blade
• Ferrocerium Rod Length:4″(10cm). Diameter: 3/8″(10mm). Large enough for a shower of sparks and small enough to carry

$13.95

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Bestseller No. 2

Fire Starter Survival Kit, Larger Ferro Rod with Striker Lanyard 3in Long Flint and Steel, 13.8in Wick Hemp Cord, Multifunctional Bag (Green)

• Survival fire starter kit: The fire starter kit contains 1pcs 5/16″ thick ferro rod with striker and paracord wrist lanyard, 1pcs 13.8″ long wick hemp cord tinder and 1pcs multifunctional outdoor bag with a hook.This kit has everything you need to start a fire and you won’t need anything else.
• Ferro rod: The ferrocerium rod is made of high density fire steel and can produce sparks over 5000 F degrees when struck by a striker. The sturdy wooden handle allows you to hold it tightly without letting it go. Its biggest advantage is that it can be easily used in very humid environments. Scrape off the black protective coating before use.
• Wick hemp cord: The wick hemp cord is 13.8″ long and has a burn time of up to 20 minutes. To make it easier to be ignited by flint, we infused the wick hemp cord with full wax. Rub one end of the wax-impregnated hemp rope before use, the fluffy the better.

$13.59

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SaleBestseller No. 3

WEYLAND Flint Fire Starter Kit with MOLLE Bag – Waterproof Emergency Survival Fire Starting Kit for Camping, Survival & Bushcraft – Incl Magnesium Fire Starter & Firestarter Tinder, Sticks & Fat Rope

• This Fire Starter Kit makes a perfect addition to an emergency survival kit or bug out bag. Our fire kit includes a flint fire starter ferro rod and a variety of waterproof tinder materials.
• Essentials in this Fire Starting Kit are: magnesium fire starter, fatwood fire starter sticks, fero rod with paracord lanyard & striker, fat rope stick fire starter, char cloth & hemp wick reuseable match.
• In addition to flint and steel – fat wood wool tumbleweed fire starters, paraffin wax Fire Flash cotton fire starting tinder wicks, water proof camp fire sticks and finally a pocket sized bellows to feed your fire.

−$5.00 $34.95

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SaleBestseller No. 4

AOFAR Magnesium Fire Starter AF-374 (2-Pack) Waterproof Fire Steel Pouch for Camping, Hiking, Hunting, Backpacking,Outdoor Survival fire Striker kit

• 👍Magnesium rod is easily scraped off with striker,and is ignited by sparks from the flint,start fires in any weather conditions.
• 👍FIRE STARTERS : Each box includes 2 Magnesium Fire Starters can be used thousands of times.
• 👍Waterproof Fire Steel：Solid magnesium fuel bar with flint 3” x1”,steel scraper3”,Fire Paracord Outdoor Survival Ropes.

−$3.40 $12.59

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How To Make Fire With Sticks

When it comes to starting a fire without matches or a lighter, there are several methods to choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Friction-based methods, such as the bow drill or fire plow, are primitive yet effective. They require minimal tools, but they do demand a significant amount of effort and practice. These methods are best suited for situations where you have plenty of time and energy.

Flint and steel is a classic method that’s reliable and relatively easy to use, but it does require you to carry these specific tools with you.

Battery and steel wool is a quick and effective method, but it relies on having these items on hand, which may not always be the case in a survival situation.

Lens-based methods, like using a magnifying glass or a polished soda can, are simple and effective, but they rely on sunny weather.

Each method has its place, and the best one for you depends on your specific situation and the resources at hand.

Let’s take a closer look at these fire-starting methods.

1. Spindle And Fireboard

Learning how to start a fire with just wood can by tricky and involve a lot of manual labor.

Because of the risks involved, these friction based methods of starting a fire without matches are not for the faint-hearted. Compared to the other methods, starting a fire with sticks are probably the hardest. Friction can be used in different ways to make a fire.

Even so, the type of wood used for both the spindle and fire board remains the most crucial aspect. You will spin the spindle against your fireboard to create friction. Sparks or embers can be created when enough friction is generated between the spindle and fireboard.

These embers can then be nurtured into a flame. Walnut, cottonwood, willow, juniper, cedar, cypress, and aspen are the best types of wood for spindle and fireboard sets. Regardless of the species, only bone-dry wood can be used to start a friction-based fire. So make sure you gather and use dry wood to make fire.

Using a hand drill to start a fire is the most primitive, difficult and tiresome method of all. Effort and determination are therefore, necessities.

• Use dry, combustible plant material to build a tinder nest. Again, make sure the material used can catch fire easily. Dry leaves, grass, and bark are good options. You will use this tinder nest to nurture the sparks created into a flame. Tip: Consider using a magnesium fire starter to add some magnesium shavings to your tinder nest.
• You’ll need a piece of dry wood to serve as your hand drill’s base. This wood piece is what we call a fireboard and you’ll drill on it to create friction.
• With the help of a sharp knife-like object, cut a small, V-shaped notch into the fire board. Make the depression big enough to hold your spindle.
• Put pieces of bark next to your V-shaped depression. The bark is meant to catch the sparks created from the friction of the spindle and fire board.
• Place your spindle stick into the V-shaped depression you made on your fireboard. For this to work properly, you’ll need a spindle that’s about half an inch in diameter and two feet long.
• Hold the spindle between your palms, pushing it firmly against the board. Make sure you maintain the pressure as you begin to move your hands back and forth, one after the other. This motion should effectively roll the spindle. Continue to roll the spindle as fast as you can until ember forms.
• Tap the fireboard to drop the glowing ember onto the piece of bark and then transfer this to your tinder nest. Blow on the tinder nest gently to create a flame. It might take a while or several tries to start a fire.

2. Bow Drill

To start a fire with a bow drill, you must create friction by maintaining constant pressure and speed. The bow drill technique allows you to do this a lot easier.

You’ll need a bow, socket, fire board, and spindle.

• Find a heavy piece of wood or a stone to use as the socket, which you will use to put pressure on the rotating spindle. Wood with sap allows for better lubrication of the socket.
• Use a long, slightly curved or flexible piece of wood to make your bow. It should be about the length of your arm. Use any strong, abrasive material capable of withstanding lots of friction to make your bowstring. You can use a strip of rawhide, a thin rope or string, or your shoelace. String your bow as tight as possible, using grooves or notches to anchor the string.
• Prepare your fire board and place your tinder nest next to the V-shaped notch.
• Loop the bowstring around your spindle once. Doing so in the middle of the string will provide more space for rolling the string back and forth.
• Place the pointed end of your spindle stick in the V-shaped notch and use the socket to apply pressure on the other end. Hold the bow handle with your dominant hand. Start to saw back and forth, rotating the spindle as fast as possible. Keep sawing until the friction creates an ember.
• Drop the ember into your tinder nest and blow on it gently to create a flame. Add dry kindling to the flame to get your fire going.

Here’s a video showing you how to make a bow drill, spindle and fireboard and how to use them to start a fire:

3. Fire Plow (Fire Plough)

Here’s how to start a fire with a fire plow:

1. Cut a groove into your fireboard and whittle one end of your spindle stick
2. Place your tinder nest at the furthest end of the fireboard. In this way, you will plow embers into the tinder nest as you rub the spindle against the fire board.
3.  Place the whittled tip of your spindle into the track in your fire board. Rub it up and down the groove repeatedly. The faster you rub, the more friction you’ll create.
4. Blow on the embers gently to get the fire going (once your tinder nest catches an ember).

Here’s a video that demonstrates how to use a fire plow:

4. Flint and Steel

Using flint and steel to start a fire is a great option, even under the most adverse weather conditions, because you can always get a spark from putting steel to flint rock. Plus, if you don’t have a flint and steel set on hand, you can always improvise by using a knife and a piece of quartzite to create a spark.

In addition to the tinder nest, you’ll also need char, which is easily combustible charcoal made from cloth. Once char catches a spark, it will continue to smolder without bursting into flames. But if you do not have any char, lightweight tree fungus or birch will do just fine. Make sure you use dry plant material to build your tinder nest.

• Hold your flint between thumb and forefinger, allowing two or three inches of the rock to extend past your grasp.
• With the piece of char held between your thumb and the flint, scrape your knife’s steel blade against the flint.
• The sparks that fly off should land on the flint, resulting in a glow.
• Fold the glowing char cloth into your tinder nest and blow on it gently to induce a flame.

Here’s a quick video that discusses how to choose the best flint and steel:

You could also learn how to use a magnesium fire starter, which is similar to flint and steel.

5. Battery and Steel Wool

Here’s how starting a battery with steel wool works:

Rubbing steel wool with a batter generates a current through the small steel wires, and these will, in turn, heat up and ignite. Finer steel wool works best for this process.  You can also rub a metal paperclip against the terminals of a battery to create sparks. This process works the same way the wires in toaster ovens and light bulbs work.

Here’s how to start a fire with a battery and steel wool:

You’ll need a tinder nest to start a fire with a battery and steel wool. Use dry plant material for the tinder nest.

1. Build your tinder nest out of dry grass, dried-out pine needles, moss, plant fiber, a Uberleben Tinder Wick, or even cotton ball fire starters smeared with vaseline or petroleum jelly.
2. Grab a battery and some steel wool. Any battery will work but 9-volt batteries are likely to ignite the quickest.
3. With the battery in one hand and steel wool in the other, rub the steel wool against the battery terminals to create friction.
4. As the steel wool starts to glow, blow on it gently to nurture the flame.
5. Transfer the burning steel wool to your tinder nest. Don’t waste any time because the flame will extinguish quickly.
6. Keep blowing until the tinder ignites and add larger pieces of dry kindling to build the fire.

Lenses can be used to start a fire in several different ways. The only drawback to using a lens is that this technique can only work when you have sun. Here’s a look at a few of these methods.

6. Magnifying Glass

You can use many different types of lenses to start a fire with a magnifying glass, including eyeglasses and binocular lenses. To create a fire using this technique, you will need enough sunlight. So make sure the sun is unobstructed. You can also intensify the beam of light by adding water to the lens.

• Use dry plant material to build a tinder nest and place it on the ground.
• Tilt the lens toward the sun to focus a small light beam on the tinder nest. To create the most focused light beam possible, you’ll probably have to test different angles of holding the lens.
• Once you’ve achieved the best possible angle, hold the lens in place until your tinder nest starts to smoke and glow. Blow on it gently to nurture the flame.
• Add some dry kindling to your tinder nest and you’ll soon have yourself a fire.

7. Aluminum Van and A Chocolate Bar

I know this one sounds like one of the craziest ways to start a fire without matches, but I’ve seen it done on YouTube multiple times.

Here’s how it works:

Use the chocolate to polish the bottom of your soda can. You can make chocolate shine like a mirror by rubbing chocolate onto the bottom of your soda can. Toothpaste has the same effect and can be used instead of chocolate.
• Angle the bottom of your soda can towards the sun to create a highly focused light beam. Sunlight will reflect off this newly created parabolic mirror, forming a single focal point in the same way a mirror telescope works.
• Aim the ray of light at your tinder nest and you will have a flame within seconds.

8. Fire Piston

A fire piston is a reliable fire-starting tool that’s been in use for thousands of years. It’s a very simple device that uses nothing other than hot air and some tinder to start a fire. Here’s an article that’ll tell you everything you need to know about fire pistons… including teaching you how to use a fire piston, step-by-step.

9. Ferro Rod (Ferrocerium Rod)

Check out our complete guide to the best ferro rods, which includes a tutorial on how to start a fire without matches by using a Ferro Rod… the right way.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Starting a fire without matches or a lighter is a skill that takes practice, and it’s easy to make mistakes along the way. Here are some common ones to avoid:

Using damp or green wood: This is a common mistake that can prevent your fire from starting or cause it to smoke excessively. Always use dry wood for your tinder, kindling, and fuel.

Not preparing enough tinder or kindling: It’s easy to underestimate how much tinder or kindling you’ll need. Always prepare more than you think you’ll need to ensure your fire gets off to a good start.

Not shielding your fire from the wind: Wind can quickly extinguish your initial spark or blow your fire out of control. Always shield your fire when you’re getting it started and choose a location that’s protected from the wind.

Final Thoughts

Starting a fire without matches or a lighter is a skill that can be incredibly useful, especially in survival situations.

As we’ve explored in this article, numerous methods exist, each with unique advantages and challenges. The possibilities are vast, from traditional friction-based techniques like using a spindle and fireboard, a bow drill, or a fire plow to more unconventional methods like using a battery and steel wool, a soda can and chocolate bar, or even a lens to focus sunlight.

Remember, the key to successful fire-starting lies in understanding the basic principles of heat, fuel, and oxygen and being prepared with the right materials.

Whether you’re an avid camper, a survival enthusiast, or someone who enjoys the great outdoors, mastering these techniques can be a rewarding experience and a valuable addition to your skill set.

However, practicing these methods in a safe and controlled environment is important before you actually need to use them. Fire is a powerful tool but can also be dangerous if not handled properly. Always prioritize safety and respect the power of nature.

We hope this guide has been informative and helpful. Keep practicing, stay prepared, and happy fire-starting!

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